Antonio Banderas: A Journey Through Pain and Glory

The renowned Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, who celebrated his 70th birthday in September, entrusted his close friend and colleague Antonio Banderas with the creation of his own image in the autobiographical film “Pain and Glory.”

The Creative Union of Antonio Banderas and Pedro Almodóvar

The creative partnership between Antonio Banderas and Pedro Almodóvar spans over 37 years. Banderas made his acting debut in Almodóvar’s film “Labyrinth of Passion.” After appearing in four more films by the talented director, Banderas’ career took an unexpected turn towards Hollywood. He became one of the most famous Spanish actors, working with renowned directors such as Woody Allen, Terrence Malick, and Robert Rodriguez.

With his striking looks and irresistible charisma, Banderas has portrayed a variety of characters, from the noble avenger in “The Mask of Zorro” to the oldest vampire in “Interview with the Vampire,” and a gay man alleviating his lover’s suffering in “Philadelphia.” He has been adored by countless fans and has shared the screen with bright actresses like Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Salma Hayek, and Melanie Griffith, who left her husband Don Johnson for him. Banderas himself left his wife for an American lover, but after nearly 20 years together, they divorced in 2015, having raised their daughter Stella del Carmen.

Return to Spain and New Beginnings

In 2011, after a hiatus of more than twenty years, Banderas returned to work with Almodóvar in the film “The Skin I Live In.” This project marked his return to his native Spain and coincided with a new chapter in his life, as he moved to London for his new love, Nicole. Despite the move, Banderas continued to participate in numerous theatrical, television, and film projects, remaining one of the most sought-after actors in the world.

Playing Pablo Picasso

Years later, Banderas accepted the role of his famous compatriot Pablo Picasso in the TV series “Genius.” Banderas and Picasso share a connection beyond their birthplace of Málaga, Spain; both adopted their mothers’ maiden names, which they later made famous worldwide. Today, Málaga boasts both the Pablo Picasso Promenade and the Antonio Banderas Promenade. Although Banderas does not consider himself a genius, it is no coincidence that he was chosen to play the role of the brilliant artist.

Pain and Glory: A Personal Film

It is also no coincidence that Almodóvar invited Banderas to play the lead role in his autobiographical film “Pain and Glory.” The film explores the conflict between a director and an actor bound by a long-standing relationship. Almodóvar confirmed that the character of the actor was inspired by Banderas himself. While the script is not a documentary reflection of real events, it offers a fictional reinterpretation that sheds light on the nature of their creative partnership and the evolution of their complex relationship.

The film premiered at the Cannes Festival this year, where it was hailed as Almodóvar’s most personal film. Banderas’ performance was widely acclaimed as the best of his long career, earning him the prestigious Best Actor award at the festival.

Interview with Antonio Banderas

We met with Banderas at the Toronto Film Festival, where the film had its American premiere. Almodóvar was also present, having received the honorary Golden Lion of Saint Mark award in Venice a few days earlier for his contribution to cinema. Having successfully navigated their crisis, the relationship between the actor and the director seems to have entered a new phase. Both acknowledge this and express their gratitude to each other at every opportunity. The interview with Banderas was no exception…

On the Personal Challenges of Playing Almodóvar

“Creating the on-screen image of a real person is always challenging. When that person is your friend and also the director, it becomes even more difficult. However, I had an advantage: I had been preparing for this role for nine years, since we first worked together again on ‘The Skin I Live In.’ By that time, I had appeared in several dozen Hollywood films, and my ego had grown considerably. When I arrived on set, I immediately started showing everyone that I was a high-class professional who knew best how to act and direct. After a few rehearsals, Pedro approached me and said that he didn’t need any of the things I had learned in Hollywood. He simply asked me, ‘Where are you?’ I didn’t argue with him, but inside, I disagreed. It’s no surprise that the atmosphere on set was tense. Only later, when I first saw the film, did I realize that he had brought out something in me that I didn’t even know existed. After that, I changed my opinion about his methods.”

On the Unique Approach to the Role

“The main thing I understood was that when working with him, you can’t use preconceived action plans. All I wanted to know was why he decided to make a film about himself at this moment and why he wanted me to play him. I based my search for the character’s personality on his answers. This was a new experience for me in working on a role.”

On Playing Real-Life Characters

“Each of them was challenging to play in their own way. It’s possible that playing Picasso prepared me for playing Almodóvar. Playing Picasso was difficult because it was a more biographical portrait. In ‘Genius,’ it was very important to convey the authenticity of the events in his life and the actions he took. In Almodóvar’s film, not all the events happened in reality. And yet, this cinematic portrait of Pedro conveys his essence much more truthfully than Pedro himself.”

On the Essence of the Film

“Our essence is not only determined by what we have done or said. I think what we wanted to say but didn’t, and what we wanted to do but didn’t, is no less important. Our film is about these impulses, about how the circles started in the past come full circle. It’s about reconciling with your family, your mother, your loved ones, and your actors. Yes, it’s a film about reconciliation.”

Playing an artist like Pedro Almodóvar is a huge responsibility and a great gift. As Almodóvar approaches 70, Banderas, not yet 60, reflects on who might play him in a film about his life. The journey of Antonio Banderas, from his early days in Spain to his success in Hollywood and his enduring partnership with Almodóvar, is a testament to his talent, resilience, and the power of creative collaboration.